DONAL LENIHAN has mounted a scathing blast on the Wales team and its management.

The Irish legend questioned the decision-making and the selection of coach Steve Hansen.

"The Welsh travelled to Dublin with high hopes and firm expectations. But, on the evidence of this game, they have a fair way to go," said Lenihan, Lions team manager in 2001.

"In modern day international rugby it is imperative you compete for primary possession at scrum and line-out and have a well-organised defensive line. In each respect, Wales fell well short of the mark."

The former Ireland captain was staggered at Wales' decision to play into the wind and to substitute prop Adam Jones.

Lenihan said, "Given that Ireland were under considerable pressure to secure a result. The Welsh needed to take every advantage.

"While their decision-making throughout the game was questionable at best, their worst decision was taken even before kick-off.

"Having won the toss, they elected to play against a strong Lansdowne Road swirling wind. This in effect handed Ireland territorial advantage.

"It was a bad tactical error because, when it comes to maximising the elements, Ronan O'Gara is imperious.

"With the aid of the elements and a dominant pack, he continuously pinned the Welsh deep in their own half in the vital first quarter of the match.

"As a result, the much-vaunted back three of the Williams pair and Gareth Thomas were forced to defend. Rhys Williams was badly exposed and, while Thomas did well with ball in hand, his lack of a kicking game was apparent.

"The only area Wales asked questions of the Irish in the first half was in the scrum but it disappeared when Jones was withdrawn on 30 minutes and Gethin Jenkins introduced.

"Reggie Corrigan gave him a torrid time. By the end of the game, it was in disarray.

"The major question mark hanging over the Welsh team was the quality of their front five - and it was ruthlessly exposed as early as the first minute.

"Ireland's line-out platform and driving maul has been their most consistent aspect.

"Wales were painfully aware of that but were powerless to stop it. It's back to the drawing board for Wales."